In FY 2019 the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Program and Habitat Council funded project #3942 to complete design and engineering work for the Fish Lake angling pier and expanding the parking lot. Jones & DeMille Engineering in Richfield was hired to do the work. After they had completed most of the design work DWR personnel realized the pier needed to be extended by another 20 feet to get it further past the weed beds surrounding the shore of Fish Lake, along with a few other changes. This took extra design work time and we are now short of funding by $9,800.00 to pay for extending the pier, planning electrical supply for an aeration system to keep pier pilings ice free, assessing an alternative site, and a larger parking lot. Additional funds are need to cover the requested extra engineering work. Update on construction of the fishing pier: Due to the expense and employee time involved in the renovation of the three marinas at Fish Lake, securing funding and planning construction of the fishing pier is on hold until all of the marina work is completed. It is expected the marina work will be completed in December 2021. We can then focus on securing funding and construction of the pier for summer of 2022 or possibly 2023. The following is the description, need, and information written for the original engineering project, with some new updated information included: The fishing pier is just one part of a larger overall plan at Fish Lake to improve public facilities, add new facilities and amenities, attract additional anglers and improve the overall recreation experience for the public. In addition to the fishing pier other improvements that are occurring or planned for in the near future at Fish Lake include: renovation and improvements at all three marinas (larger marinas, improved parking, restrooms, more boat slips, new ramps, new docks, etc. ) (December 2020 update - work at two marinas is completed, the third had some work completed and the next phase of work is planned to start in September 2021), Kokanee salmon spawning viewing boardwalk (completed and heavily used in fall 2020), improved perch tournament (adjusted and revised tournament for 2021), Forest Service expansion and upgrade of parking area at Doctor Creek (overflow primitive camping area and lake access), renovation of FS amphitheater area, new biking/hiking/equestrian trail along west hillside, and two resorts have constructed new cabin rentals, hotel and RV camping spaces. The Fishlake National Forest also has applied for $5 million federal funding to improve their campgrounds in the basin, upgrade the sewer system and asphalt paving of the parking lots at the marinas and fishing pier (waiting to see if funding is approved). Fish Lake is one of the most popular and productive fisheries in southern Utah. It supports over 157,000 angler hours annually (2017 DWR Creel Survey) and there are three private resorts with public boat ramps located at the lake. The Forest Service operates several campgrounds, restrooms and parking areas along the lake shore. All of the Fish Lake basin is a very popular recreation area. In 2014 the Fish Lake Fishery Management Plan was written and approved, which outlined goals and objectives for the future management of the fishery and angling at Fish Lake. Goal # 3 is: Create additional shoreline fishing areas for anglers. Because there are dense weed beds along the shoreline surrounding all of Fish Lake, shore angling opportunities are very limited. Only about 40 yards of shoreline are fished where Twin Creeks runs into the lake. Specifically the Management Plan suggests constructing a pier at Fish Lake to increase opportunities for shore angling. The Southern Region DWR, Fishlake National Forest, resort owners and many others all believe this would be an excellent addition to facilities at Fish Lake and would be very well used. It is expected that on summer time weekends and holidays there would not be enough room on the pier for everybody that wants to fish there. Several thousand shore angler hours annually could be added to Fish Lake. The pier would be a permanent elevated structure extending past the weed beds to about 30' water depth, 120 feet long with a 100 feet T on the end and ADA accessible.

Complete final engineering for a public fishing pier and parking lot at Fish Lake. Increase shoreline angling at Fish Lake by at least 2,000 hours annually.

Pier could be damaged by ice or vandalism.

Meets goals and objectives in DWR Fish Lake Fishery Management Plan, 2014, by increasing shore angling opportunities. Satisfies DWR Resource goal of meeting management plan objectives and expand quality fishing and hunting opportunities. Satisfies DWR Constituency goal to achieve broad-based support for division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah; and expand programs to recruit and retain young hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers. Meets recreational goals in the Fishlake National Forest Plan for meeting public recreation.

Not applicable

No effect on water quality or quantity

NEPA compliance with the Fishlake National Forest has been completed and approved for construction of the pier. An ACOE 404 permit will be needed before construction begins.

Jones & DeMille Engineering will complete and stamp the design and engineering drawings for fishing pier and parking area.

DWR will conduct at least annual inspections and maintenance of the pier. Periodic angler use and success surveys will be conducted.

Fishlake National Forest Private donors for construction.

Maintain and repair pier as needed. If pier is useful and operates well, build a second pier in the future.

Not applicable